You probably have items around your home that feel special or important but rarely get used. These things might hold sentimental value or seemed useful at one time, yet they often just end up cluttering your space.
Knowing which items are truly useful can help you free up room and make your living area feel more organized. By identifying what’s really worth keeping, you can create a home that feels less crowded and more comfortable.
Vintage wine crates
You might think vintage wine crates add charm to your space. They are sturdy and often come with interesting labels from wineries.
But many simply end up stacked in corners, unused. Unless you repurpose them, these crates often just take up room.
If you want to keep them, try turning them into shelves or storage boxes. Otherwise, they may clutter your home more than you realize.
Laundry baskets kept in tubs
You might think keeping laundry baskets inside larger tubs saves space, but it often just adds bulk. These tubs can be heavy and awkward to carry, especially when full.
Instead of stacking baskets this way, consider collapsible laundry baskets. They save space without the extra weight or clutter.
Using separate baskets for sorting laundry is helpful, but keep them easy to move and store. This makes your laundry routine simpler and less frustrating.
Circular wooden cheese boards
You might think a circular wooden cheese board adds charm to your kitchen. While they look nice, these boards often just take up drawer and counter space.
Many are multipurpose, but you probably don’t use them enough to justify keeping one. If it’s plain and unused, it’s just extra clutter.
Consider if it really fits your lifestyle before holding onto another serving board.
Small decorative globes
You might think a small decorative globe adds charm to your desk or shelf. While they look neat, many just end up as dust collectors.
These globes often don’t offer much practical use besides decoration. They take up space without providing real value or function.
If you enjoy geography, a globe can be helpful, but small ones rarely show much detail. Consider how much space it occupies before keeping it around.
Throw pillows no one uses
You might have a mountain of throw pillows on your couch or bed that rarely get touched. They often look nice, but most stay just for decoration, not comfort.
Adding a few pillows can brighten a room, but too many can feel like clutter. If they just sit there, consider whether they bring you joy or take up space.
You don’t have to keep every pillow. Storing or donating extras can free your space without making your home look empty.
Specialty glassware sets
You might think owning multiple specialty glassware sets makes your bar feel complete. However, many of these glasses are rarely used and just take up valuable space.
It’s easy to get caught up in collecting unique or themed glasses. But unless you regularly host events or care for specific drinks, you probably don’t need a separate set for every type.
Sticking to a few versatile glasses can simplify your space and still impress your guests when needed.
Greeting cards saved for years
You might hold onto greeting cards because they remind you of special moments. Over time, though, these cards can pile up and take space without adding much value.
It helps to go through them and keep only the ones with personal messages or strong memories. You don’t have to keep every card to honor the sentiment behind it. Letting go of some can free up room and reduce clutter.
Bottled water stashed away
You might think keeping bottles of water is smart, but often they just take up space. Many bottled waters are purified to the point that minerals and taste are removed, making them less refreshing than tap water.
Plastic bottles can also leach small amounts of chemicals over time, which isn’t ideal for long storage. If you want to keep water stored, consider containers made of stainless steel—they’re safer and reusable.
Landline phones gathering dust
You might still have a landline phone sitting on a shelf or in a drawer. With most people using mobile phones, these devices often go unused.
Keeping them around can just add to the clutter without much purpose. If it’s not your backup for emergencies, it may be time to consider letting it go.
Smoke infusers unused since purchase
You might have bought a smoke infuser hoping to wow your friends with unique flavors. But if it has been sitting unused, it’s likely just taking up space.
These gadgets often require specific knowledge and time to use properly. If you haven’t used yours since buying it, consider whether it truly fits your lifestyle. Letting go can clear your space for things you actually enjoy.
Deep fat fryers rarely touched
You might have a deep fat fryer tucked away, thinking it’s perfect for crispy homemade fries. But often, it ends up sitting unused, taking up space in your kitchen.
These fryers need regular cleaning and changing of oil, which can feel like a chore. Plus, with so many quick alternatives like air fryers, you might not reach for it as much as you expect.
Big decorative lamps nobody uses
You might have a big decorative lamp that looks stunning but rarely gets turned on. They often serve more as décor than actual lighting.
These lamps can take up a lot of space without adding much value to your daily routine. Instead, smaller lamps placed strategically can create a cozy atmosphere.
If you never use your big lamp, consider replacing it with lighting that fits how you actually live in the room.
Old toys and board games
You might hold onto old toys or board games because they remind you of fun times. However, many of these items just sit unused and take up space.
If they aren’t being played with, consider rotating a few favorites instead of keeping them all out.
Sometimes, packing away some toys helps you see which ones really matter. This way, you keep the special ones without clutter.
Extra towels beyond daily need
You might think having a big stack of towels is useful, but extra towels often just clutter your space. Most people only use one or two towels daily, so extra ones sit unused for long periods.
Keeping a few quality towels is enough for regular use. Anything beyond that tends to gather dust or take up valuable storage. If you find yourself holding on to towels “just in case,” it might be time to donate or recycle them.
Excess kitchen tools
You might have kitchen gadgets that seemed essential but rarely get used, like a mandolin or pasta machine. These tools can take up valuable space without adding much convenience.
It’s worth asking yourself if you can achieve the same results with simpler items you already own. Clearing out these extras can make your kitchen feel more open and easier to work in.